Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2019
259. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Education and Skills if discretion can be given to a national school in circumstances in which pupil numbers drop below the required amount for a three teacher school for a 12 month period in order to boost the numbers back to the required figure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21679/19]
View answerThe key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September.
The staffing schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally irrespective of location.
An appeal mechanism is available to schools such as the one referred to by the Deputy under the Small Schools appeal criterion.
The next meeting of the Primary Staffing Appeals Board will be held in June. Schools have been notified that the closing date for applications to this meeting is Friday 24th May.
The Primary Staffing Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
